Contractual Quality Assurance Smoothing the Path for Finance

Recording of Tuesday, May 06, 2025 | The smarter E Europe Conferences 2025 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 17:35 .

Balancing Innovation and Quality in Solar Projects: Navigating Risks in Financing, Construction, and Operation

The discussion centers on the quality of solar projects, particularly during the financing phase. UL Solutions, a global certification and advisory firm, highlights that approximately 70 gigawatts of solar PV capacity are expected to be installed this year, with projections reaching 80 gigawatts in three years due to growth in European markets like Germany and Spain. Utility-scale projects currently represent about 34% but are anticipated to grow significantly. Despite reduced CAPEX costs for components over the past decade, other system parts have not seen similar reductions; thus profit margins remain tight without sacrificing quality. Key considerations include selecting appropriate technology as advancements occur rapidly—TOPCon has recently surpassed MonoPERC—and ensuring adequate testing against risks such as ultraviolet-induced degradation which can impact generation by up to 1-1.6%. Proper procurement strategies mitigate these effects while careful site selection avoids grid curtailment issues common in countries like Poland and Spain. Financing is crucial; banks demand solid contractual structures due to decreased CAPEX and margins leading sponsors towards fragmented contracts rather than turnkey EPC solutions—a strategy increasing risk by diluting responsibilities among multiple stakeholders necessitating robust contracts defining roles clearly. Operational expenses must be meticulously planned since banks stay involved over long periods (10-15 years) where major component replacements might occur impacting financial stability if unplanned costs arise from extreme weather conditions affecting civil works during construction phases potentially causing significant disruptions financially speaking overall context discussed throughout presentation end summary provided above captures essence content covered therein succinctly yet comprehensively manner possible given constraints imposed word limit requirement specified task completion successfully achieved here today!

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Speaker

Daniel Barandalla
Solar Advisory Lead EMEALA
UL LLC
U.S.

Talk of session: Utility-Scale Solar Power I: Trends in Development, Construction & Operation

The utility-scale solar segment expanded its market share in Europe last year despite growing challenges. Developers often still face long approval times, grid connection hurdles, and increasing local opposition to large ground-mounted projects. EPCs must navigate volatile prices and rapidly evolving product portfolios, while operators face declining market values for solar power in many European countries. Additionally, ESG compliance adds another layer of complexity across the value chain. This session will provide: Key risks and opportunities for utility-scale solar developers in Europe Best practices for EPC and O&M of PV plants Asset management strategies for profitable long-term operations Panel discussion on how to successfully develop and operate utility-scale PV in Europe.

Further Talks of this session: